MetLife Stadium, New York New York – Morocco and Haiti have selected New Jersey as their base camp for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, joining Brazil and Senegal and turning the U.S. state into one of the tournament’s main operational hubs.
According to sources familiar with the planning, all four national teams have finalized their training locations, with a formal announcement expected in the coming days. The 2026 edition of the World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first time the competition is staged across three countries.
Brazil, five-time world champions, will be based at the Columbia Park Training Center in Morris Township, a modern 80-acre facility used by Major League Soccer side the New York Red Bulls. The team is scheduled to play at MetLife Stadium during the group stage, along with matches in nearby Philadelphia and Miami.
Morocco, who made history by reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, will train at Pingry School. The site previously hosted Italy during the 1994 World Cup, when the United States last organized the tournament. Haiti, meanwhile, will be based at Stockton University in Galloway, a campus that recently hosted Brazilian club Flamengo during the FIFA Club World Cup.
We are thrilled that Brazil, Haiti, Morocco, and Senegal have chosen the Garden State as their base camp during the FIFA World Cup.
— Governor Mikie Sherrill (@GovSherrillNJ) May 5, 2026
Their decision underscores what we know to be true: New Jersey is a premier destination for world-class events and tourism.https://t.co/X7kbDJ8uL0
Senegal complete the quartet and will prepare at Rutgers University. The West African side is set to play two group-stage matches at MetLife Stadium, including fixtures against France and Norway.
New Jersey’s growing appeal as a base camp location highlights its strategic position, modern facilities, and proximity to several match venues along the U.S. East Coast. The region is rivaled mainly by Kansas City, which is expected to host multiple national teams, including Argentina, England, the Netherlands, and Algeria.
MetLife Stadium, located just outside New York City, will play a central role in the tournament, hosting several matches including the final on July 19.
The announcement also comes amid recent tensions between FIFA and local authorities over transportation costs. A proposal by New Jersey Transit to increase train fares to up to $150 for trips between New York City and the stadium sparked criticism from state officials, who questioned the financial burden on local taxpayers. FIFA, in response, warned that such pricing could negatively affect fan experience and turnout.
Despite these disagreements, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill welcomed the decision by the four teams, describing the World Cup as a “once-in-a-generation event” and emphasizing the expected economic and tourism benefits for the region.
Source: The New York Times
